[ba] bringing a car into CA

[jim rose]

yeah,

people here act like its a big deal, but i drove my 87 honda across the
country to CA 2 yrs ago and it was no sweat getting it registered. i think
the smog is tougher [and it varies in "toughness" based on area - LA is
tougher than SF, for example].

my honda did run VERY clean, but as long as it passes with a bit of room on=
t
he east coast checks, i cant imagine one would have trouble. any trouble on=
e
might have is most lieky a tuneup one needs antway =3D)

as far as shops, i got to the 19.95 ulta budget smog shops in oakland. use
good gas, get it nice + hot first, and never a hitch. same with an 84 4k an=
d
an 89 golf ive owned since ive been here [both CA cars]

as far as buying - cars in the bay area tend to be about as highly priced a=
s
you can find used cars. LA, other areas seem beetter. if shes buying
something a little older, it is maybe owrth waiting to get a "ca car" for
the condition they remail in. i am still AMAZED every time i work on my 88
5k which lived its life in santa cruz. ive NEVER broken a bolt, rounded a
nut or encountered fused part. which was a way of life in western mass.

some times, late at night, i crawl under it and just look at the utter
absence of rust. and i giggle. ;)


jim - still waiting for my liscence, 9 weeks out.


>From: Shayne <thequattroking at yahoo.com>
>To: Dan Simoes <dans at audifans.com>, <quattro at audifans.com>,
><ba-group at audifans.com>
>Subject: Re: [ba] bringing a car into CA
>Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2001 09:41:37 -0800
>
>Kristin my fianc=E9 just went through that with her 4ksq.  I also was unde=
r
>the impression it was really hard.  PIECE of CAKE.  It was more time
>consuming for her to get her license then it was to get the car registered=
.
>
>The process involved going to the DMV with a smog report that can be
>obtained from any smog check approved gas station in CA.  I went through
>her
>car top to bottom just before it went in.
>
>The car passed with flying colors.  Even with a 2.5" exhaust (not that it
>changes emissions).  What is mean is, it has some mods.  I guess those are
>not a problem as long as ALL OE smog devices are on the car.
>
>I put a new cat and O2 sensor on her car before it was tested.  The car
>needed those anyway.  Cost her about $60 for the smog/safety check, plus
>licensing fees at the DMV.  As long as your sisters car is in good health
>and has all the OE smog devices, it should do just fine.
>
>But, I would find a reputable shop.  I have heard rumors of shops finding
>"problems" with your car just so they can fix it.  They try to entice you
>to
>have it fixed there by saying if you do, they will do the second smog test
>for free.
>
>IHTH
>
>Shayne P.
>
>
>
>1972 MB 280 SEL 4.5
>1984 4ksq
>1986 MB 560 SEL
>1991 v8q5
>1991 200q Sedan
>1992 S4
>
>Parting:  1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 4.5
>
>
> >
> > My sister may be trying to enroll in vet school in CA when she returns
> > from her assignment in the Peace Corps.  I'm not sure if it makes sense
> > to get her a car here in NY and have her drive across the country, or
> > just get the car out there.
> >
> > I know the cars have to be CA approved as far as emissions, but what
> > about smog testing, etc?  I seem to recall a few listers telling me it
> > was very difficult to bring in a new out-of-state car, at least a few
> > years ago.
> >
> > Can someone enlighten me?  The CA DMV web pages were not terribly
> > helpful.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > | Dan |
>
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